Metal cufflinks are a type of decorative fastener for dress shirts and blouses. Such shirts feature double buttonholes on the ends of their sleeves, but have no buttons to close the cuffs. Instead, cufflinks are worn to pinch the material together in a kissing or barrel style fashion. Metal cufflinks are worn with shirts that are of the French Cuff or link cuff style. There are a great many designs that metal cufflinks come in, and a prospective buyer should be well educated in what the market offers. The most basic designs feature two metal discs separated by a short rod or chain. The side of the cufflinks that appears on the outside of the sleeve is typically larger, and often decorated in some fashion.
Metal cufflinks come in many different materials and designs. Gold cufflinks are commonly worn for business and formal occasions. However, other exotic metals such as sterling silver and platinum are also popular choices for cufflinks. Gems and other precious stones are sometimes featured in cufflinks. These commodities increase the price of the cufflinks as well as their appeal. Diamond, ruby and sapphire studded cufflinks are just some of the rare earth stones that are used to create stunning cufflink designs.
Novelty cufflinks have increasingly risen in popularity as businessmen and professionals wish to tone down the seriousness of their appearance in subtle, but eye-catching ways. Novelty cufflinks may feature sport team logos, humorous pictures or slogans, or some kind of indication of their interests or hobbies outside of work. Novelty cufflinks make for great gifts, as they are highly personalized and often humorous.
Metal cufflinks are made by almost every major fashion designer, including famed Italian design houses Gucci, Prada and Versace. Outside of Italy, Burberrys in England and Takeo Kikuchi in Japan also produce highly sought after cufflink designs. Designer cufflinks continue to be a popular item among business professionals because of their brand label appeal, and smart looking designs.
Other popular styles of cufflinks include, 14k gold aces cufflinks, locket cufflinks, photo cufflinks and fossil cufflinks. Each year, the limits of what can be done with these small but significant fashion accessories are pushed to greater heights. Isn't it time you shop for metal cufflinks today?